Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
Beauty

Eyeliner Embroidery at Arch Angel Brow

March 9, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

Eyebrow embroidery gives you perfectly groomed brows that frame your features beautifully, but eyeliner embroidery is the secret behind expressive, magnetic eyes that sparkle. Aren’t we glad that gone are the days when eyeliner embroidery results in a thick line drawn on your eyelids? Today, perfecting the no make-up yet polished look calls for eyeliner embroidery to be done on your waterline to fill up the gaps between your lashes, as this not only enlarges your eyes but also gives the illusion of thicker lashes. 

That is exactly what I did at Arch Angel Brow recently after my wonderful experience with their eyebrow embroidery service last year (click here to read more). Now, all I need is sunblock and off I go to face the world!
Before & After Eyeliner Embroidery

Can you tell the difference before and after eyeliner embroidery? I
look more wide awake than before, and I am in love with the subtle
definition that it gives to my peepers without any eye make-up, something that I could never do without in the past. Now, I can literally wake up like this every morning. It simplifies my beauty routine and I am able to get more shuteye.  

We all need a little more beauty sleep, don’t we?

When I told some of my close friends that I had plans to get eyeliner embroidery done, many of them were very excited because it is a beauty service that has been on their minds for eons, yet they just couldn’t take the plunge as many questions (usually related to pain) flooded their mind. I will address some of these questions in my post today, and I hope that this would give you peace of mind to finally do the deed. 

Why did I choose Arch Angel Brow?

First and foremost, as with eyebrow embroidery, I cannot place enough emphasis on how important it is to engage an experienced professional for eyeliner embroidery. As eyeliner embroidery is done extremely close to your eyeballs, I would only entrust my eyes to a professional who has done this umpteen times, has a good aesthetic eye and most importantly, has at least 10 years of experience. 

The founders of Arch Angel Brow, Kelly and Eileen, have combined experience of 18 years in the beauty industry. Only plant-based ingredients are used and all the techniques and technology utilized are imported from Korea. All of the above gave me the assurance I needed, and having seen their works (plus my past experience with them), I knew I was in good hands. 

 What is the process like? How long does it take?

It is recommended that you head down without any eye make-up, but even if you do have make-up on, your eye area will be thoroughly cleansed before the procedure. 

Numbing cream is then applied for about 15-20 minutes, before a wand-like instrument is used to embroider the eyeliner pigment on your waterline. Your eyelids will be gently pulled up during the process and the most important thing to note here is to keep your eyes closed throughout. At the end of the procedure, your eyes will also be rinsed with saline for hygiene purposes.The entire process takes about an hour.

Application of numbing cream

 

Eyeliner embroidery work-in-progress

 

Rinsing my eyes with saline after the procedure

How long can it last?

I was told that eyeliner embroidery can last about 2-3 years on average. 
 

Does it hurt?

It generally feels a little ticklish and I felt a tingling sensation at one point, after which Kelly promptly reapplied an additional layer of numbing cream. I would say I experienced more discomfort during eyeliner embroidery as compared to eyebrow embroidery due to the skin around the eyes being more delicate and sensitive, but the entire process is very tolerable with numbing cream. Since it lasts a good 2-3 years, going through a little discomfort is certainly worth the convenience of looking great without make-up!

Is any aftercare required?

 Avoid getting your eyes in contact with water on the same day that your eyeliner embroidery is done. Personally, I used wet wipes instead of facial foam to clean my face that evening. 

 You can also ice your eye area with an ice pack if you experience swelling, which is rather common after this procedure. My eyes swelled immediately after as my skin is generally more sensitive and I had very thick double eyelids. After icing it with an ice pack, the swelling subsided the next day.

As with eyebrow embroidery, there is some scabbing involved in eyeliner embroidery too. Scabbing takes place over a few days and all you have to do is to use some eye drops regularly throughout the day to moisten the skin. Do not scratch or peel the scabs off prematurely as this will lighten the pigment of your eyeliner.  

Follow all these steps religiously and you’ll end up with beautiful eyes after the scabbing period passes.

More defined eyes after eyeliner embroidery


Here’s a big thank you to Arch Angel Brow once again for beautifying me and ensuring that I always look my best!

***** 

*Exclusive discount for readers*

 Arch Angel Brow has also kindly extended a 10% discount off (Usual Price: S$580) to all my readers (limited to first 20 customers only). 
All you have to do is quote my name “Regina”.

If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me an e-mail at regina.chow@gmail.com. 
  

*****
Arch Angel Brow
 Address:
321 Clementi Ave 3 (New mall in Clementi)
#01-08
Tel:
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11.00 am – 9.30 pm

Sat-Sun: 10.30 am – 8.00 pm

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/archangel.brow

Instagram:
@archangelbrow

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Fashion

Fashion: Why I Adopted the Minimalist Style

March 1, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

My sense of style has evolved dramatically over the years, and as I gradually approach my mid 30s, it is not uncommon to see me ditching cute lacy dresses in favour of a minimalist aesthetic that is not just age appropriate in comparison but also ranks higher in terms of versatility.

 

Why go minimalist?

The minimalist style is all about monochromatic shades of black, white, grey and neutrals, coupled with tailored cuts and modern silhouettes. More importantly, mixing and matching is a breeze and there are endless recipes for creating fresh new looks without having to constantly expand your wardrobe.

The minimalist style goes hand in hand with a minimalist wardrobe. So yes, there isn’t a need for a huge wardrobe to look presentable. Besides having more wardrobe space, I find that I am less restricted by fashion trends as this style is timeless. When you focus on quality instead of quantity, you will also get more mileage out of your wardrobe. Packing for trips, which used to be a time-consuming affair, now requires less time as my wardrobe is less cluttered and more organized.

How do I maintain a minimalist wardrobe?

In keeping with the minimalist style, whenever I come across something that I fancy these days, I’ll always ask myself these three questions:

“Will I still wear this 6 months or 1 year down the road?”

“Can I match this with at least 3-4 items in my wardrobe?”

“Can I rewear this a few times in a fortnight with different tops/bottoms/accessories without giving others the impression that I have no clothes to wear?”

These questions help me to stay focused when I shop and the likelihood of making an impulse buy is greatly diminished, much to the delight of my husband who is of the opinion that I already have more clothes than I would ever need in my lifetime.

Isn’t minimalism boring?

To be honest, this was exactly what I thought of minimalism when it first made headway in the world of fashion. How is it possible for anyone to look effortlessly chic by just putting together a few simple, basic wardrobe essentials? As cliche as this may sound, the beauty of minimalism lies in its simplicity. Simple does not equate to boring, and based on my personal experience, here are a few examples of how you can go about jazzing up the minimalist style.

1) Play with proportion

Think cropped tops paired with long skirts or culottes. You can choose to reveal just a sliver of skin to elongate your silhouette, or if you are feeling self-conscious after feasting during the festive season,  matching your cropped tops with high waist bottoms would do the trick just as well.

Reveal just a sliver of skin to elongate your silhouette (Top: Cotton On // Skirt:Topshop // Bag: Givenchy)

 

(Top: Bershka // Culottes: H&M)
2) Add interest to your outfit with accessories/footwear
 It
is still possible to make a statement (without compromising on the
minimalist aesthetic) by adding a simple choker, a pair of reflective
sunglasses or edgy footwear to your outfit.
Complete your outfit with edgy footwear to make a statement (Choker: Tiffany // Sandals: Editor’s Market)

 

(Dress: H&M // Sunnies: Egg, HK brand // Shoes: Adidas)

 

 3) Pick interesting silhouettes
Not
a fan of accessorizing? Interesting silhouettes like an asymmetrical
hemline or off-shoulder/toga neckline will up your style quotient
instantly. I have worn this grey asymmetrical dress as a top paired with ripped jeans previously too. To amp up the glam factor, throw in a choker and put on some heels.
(Dress: Editor’s Market)
If
you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg), you might have found these
pictures familiar as these were the outfits that I packed for my recent
trip to Bangkok.For the record, I took about 20 minutes to pack everything that I needed for the 6-day trip! I guess it is not hard to see why I am such a fan of the minimalist style. What about you? Do you like this style too?

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Travel

What & Where to Eat (and Drink) in Bangkok

February 28, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

Food was the highlight of my recent trip to Bangkok. We literally spent every waking moment hunting down cafes, restaurants and local eateries in the Land of Smiles. If you follow me on my instagram and snapchat accounts (@reginachow_sg), you would know that aside from my personal style posts, they were filled with pictures of food!

For once, shopping took a backseat, something that I didn’t think was possible in the past. I probably already gave you a flavour (pun intended) of what and where to eat in Bangkok on your next trip but I wanted to share more details in this post so you’ll know what to expect and more importantly, how you can get to these locations as well.

 1. Audrey Cafe & Bistro

Audrey Cafe & Bistro
  Audrey Cafe is one of the prettiest cafes in Bangkok that also offers an extensive range of authentic Thai and Thai-fusion fare. Popular items on the menu include Tom Yum Pizza and Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake (very soft and delicious!). I would also highly recommend the fluffy omelette with Thai sweet chilli sauce as the perfect accompaniment.
There are many branches in Bangkok, but do visit its first flagship stand-alone cafe in Thong Lor to truly bask in the beauty of its French country-inspired interior.
Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake

Address: 
136/3 Soi Thonglo 11, Vaddhana, Sukhumvit 55, Bangkok
(Take BTS to Thong Lo, followed by a short walk)


Opening Hours: 
11am – 10pm 

Directions to get to Audrey Cafe

 

 2. One Ounce for Onion

One Ounce for Onion
Other than Thong Lor, the Ekkamai area is home to several quaint cafes. One Ounce for Onion is an example of a lovely hole-in-the-wall café that serves coffee and light meals in Ekkamai.
Popsicle waffles is definitely the highlight of this café. The flavours blend together seamlessly and leave you wanting more with every bite.
Popsicle Waffles at One Ounce for Onion
 To get here, you can take the BTS to Ekkamai and catch a cab. If you enjoy walking in the heat, you can do so as well, but do note that the walk takes at least 15-20 minutes on average.
If you’re an early bird, you would also be happy to know that One Ounce for Onion opens at 9am, unlike most cafes which only open from 11am onwards.
Address:
19/12 Ekkamai 12, Sukhumvit 63 Road,
Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok
(Take BTS to Ekkamai, followed by cab)
 
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 9am – 6pm
Weekends: 9am – 8pm

 

3. Karmakamet Diner

Karmakamet Diner’s Strawberry In the Clouds
Karmakamet Diner needs no introduction as you probably would have seen its Instagram-worthy signature dessert, Strawberry In the Clouds, circulating on the internet by now. How does it taste? I am happy to report that the strawberry cheese cake in the cup beneath the massive rainbow coloured candy floss is pretty satisfying.
But what struck me most when I stepped into this restaurant is how it instantly transports you to a land of magic and mystery. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in all of Bangkok and is the perfect location to spend a leisurely afternoon or for romantic dinner dates.
The perfect spot for romantic dinner dates
Be transported to a land of magic and mystery at Karmakamet Diner
Stunning décor at Karmakamet Diner
To get to Karmakamet Diner, take the BTS to Phrom Phong and head towards Emporium Suites hotel. You will see this signage right after the multi-storey carpark.

Look out for this signage after the multi-storey carpark

Address:
30/1 Sukhumvit Soi 24 Bangkok (take BTS to Phrom Phong station)

Opening Hours:
10am – 1130pm 

4. After You

Honey Shibuya Toast
After You is another popular café in Bangkok with several branches in major malls including Siam Paragon and Central World. Their Honey Shibuya Toast is the bomb. Crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, it is an absolute delight to sink your teeth into this delicious dessert.
If Shibuya Toast is not your cup of tea, try the Kakigori Strawberry Cheesecake. Essentially flavoured ice (think bingsu) with chunks of strawberry cheesecake hidden within, this is my preferred choice of dessert for beating the heat.
Kakigori Strawberry Cheesecake
If you are staying in the Siam area, as with most Singaporeans, head to the Ground Floor of Siam Paragon Shopping Centre or the Ground Floor of Siam Square One (nearest BTS: Siam). There is also another branch at the 7th floor of Central World (nearest BTS: Chit Lom).
Opening Hours:
Siam Paragon: 10am – 10pm
Siam Square One: 12pm – midnight
Central World: 11am – 10pm
 
Website:
www.afteryoudessertcafe.com



5. Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe

Carbonara pasta stole the show at Chu

Located at the Exchange Tower that is directly linked from Asoke BTS and diagonally across from Terminal 21 shopping mall, Chu Chocolate Bar & Cafe is one of the more accessible cafes in Bangkok.

It serves up a wide range of brunch options including perennial favourites such as eggs benedict and french toast, but in my humble opinion, the carbonara pasta stole all the limelight. Topped with a perfectly poached egg, the pasta was cooked to al dante perfection in a light creamy sauce that was tasty yet not overwhelming on the palate. Two thumbs up!


Address:
2nd floor, Exchange Tower (Asoke Intersection) – linked to Asoke BTS


Opening Hours:
Mon- Fri: 730am – 930pm
Sat-Sun: 9am – 9pm

 

6. Roast

Strawberry Honey Iced Tea & Cafe Latte

Roast is another popular brunch spot that is equally known for their coffee (try their iced coffee!) and Strawberry Honey Iced Tea.

Iced Coffee from Roast

Its main location at The Commons is currently under renovation, but you can still visit its branch at Emquartier, a luxury mall linked to Phrom Phong BTS station, which is even more accessible to the masses. You can expect snaking queues at this joint throughout the day.

Address:
First floor, The Helix, Emquartier (take BTS to Phrom Pheng)

Opening Hours:
10am – 10pm daily

 

7. SabX2 Wanton Mee

SabX2 Wanton Mee

Brace yourself for the long queue at the famous Sabx2 Wanton Mee stall. Located across Platinum Mall at Soi Petchburi 19, this simple yet addictive bowl of wanton mee is a must-eat for most Singaporeans (including myself) in Bangkok. In fact, downing two bowls per person seems to be the norm here. In my opinion, the secret ingredient lies in the generous serving of crispy pork lard which makes this dish out of this world.

 

Address:
4/32-33 Soi Petchburi 19, Pratunam, Bangkok (nearest BTS: Chit Lom)
 
Opening Hours:
9am – 4pm

8. Rod Dee Det

Delicious beef and pork ball noodles at just 50 baht

If you prefer true-blue local food frequented largely by the Thais, Rod Dee Det is a good bet. This long-standing institution is known for their beef and pork ball noodles drenched in a peppery, flavourful broth that is bound to set your heart aflutter. Servings are small, so you can either have it as a snack or order two portions to make it a meal. Since it opens bright and early at 7.30am, you can even have a light breakfast here.
The shop is located directly across from TMB Bank. One thing to note about this shop is that its signage is entirely in Thai. To make it easier for you to locate the shop, here’s what it looks like:
Rod Dee Det

 

Address:
420 Siam Square Soi 7, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (Take BTS to Siam)


Opening Hours:
7.30am – 8pm

9. Inter

Affordably priced authentic Thai food

Inter is an affordable option for authentic Thai food. It is very popular among locals and is usually packed during meal times. Typical Thai dishes such as Morning Glory with Sambal, Basil Chicken, Garlic Pork and the likes will not disappoint, but if you were to ask me to pick my favourites, the Tom Yum Soup and Pad Thai would make the list as they are breathtakingly good.

Address:
432/1-2 Siam Square 9, Bangkok (Take BTS to Siam)


Opening Hours:
11am – 930pm

10. Number One Thai Iced Milk Tea

Me & my daily dose of Number One Thai Iced Milk Tea

If you are a huge fan of Thai Iced Milk Tea, Number One Brand’s version is a must-try. It is suitably thick and has just the right hint of sweetness to give you that extra kick. There are several kiosks and stalls around Bangkok, usually accompanied by long queues. You can find the kiosks at several BTS stations and at the food courts of major malls. For your easy reference, I have also included a link with a full listing of its stalls below.

Address:
For the full list of stores, refer to the link below:
http://chathai.herokuapp.com/stores

*****
 
For live updates on where I am and what I’m up to, remember to follow me on my instagram (@reginachow_sg) and snapchat (reginachow_sg) accounts!

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Beauty

Going Natural with ErucA Hair Care

January 15, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

 Japanese skincare and hair care products never fail to fascinate me. The Japanese always aim to impress with exquisite packaging, unforgettable scents and quality ingredients. ErucA is yet another Japanese hair care brand that caught my eye recently. It was love at first sight, and judging from its beautiful packaging, it is not hard to see why.

ErucA Hair Care

Why ErucA?

Physical appearance aside, ErucA is keenly aware that beauty is more than skin deep. Beyond its intricate packaging, it is sulfate-free and uses only natural ingredients harnessed from 12 types of seed oils to add brilliant shine, volume and glossiness to your hair in the healthiest way possible.
Its star ingredient, broccoli seed oil, is widely referred to as ‘natural silicon’ as it imparts shine to your hair without the harmful effects of chemical silicon, which unfortunately is still being used in many hair care products today. Other key ingredients include seed oils from cowberry, bilberry and milk thistle, as well as rich botanically-sourced organic oils such as argan, virgin prune and marula oil to thoroughly cleanse, moisturize and rejuvenate our tired tresses.
There are three different product ranges to choose from depending on your hair and scalp condition. All you have to do is use the right amount of shampoo for your hair length (short hair –  about the size of a 10 cents coin, average hair length – about the size of a 50 cents coin, hair past shoulders – about the size of two 20 cents coins), lather, rinse and apply conditioner for beautiful, luscious hair!

Scalp & Volume

ErucA Scalp & Volume Range

ErucA’s Scalp & Volume range is ideal for those of you with common scalp issues and fine hair. Personally, I use this range after sports (e.g. yoga classes) to lift the dirt and perspiration from my scalp and to prevent itchiness and dandruff. Broccoli seed oil, cowberry seed oil and bilberry seed oil help to revive and restore balance while hyaluronic acid repairs and hydrates the skin on your scalp.

ErucA Scalp & Volume Mask

My head is lighter and my scalp feels much cleaner whenever I use the shampoo, conditioner and mask in this range. Unlike many scalp care products which tend to dry out your hair, ErucA leaves you with silky smooth, voluminous hair after every wash.
I also adore its sweet floral fragrance, a refreshing departure from the typical minty scents that define scalp care products.

3D Volume Up

3D Volume Up Range
For limp, fine hair, try ErucA’s 3D Volume Up range which contains a unique volumizing ingredient that wraps your hair in a thin veil to create volume from the roots without the use of any harmful chemicals. Botanical oils from broccoli seed, thistle omega-6a and cranberry seed oil moisturize and cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping natural oils.

ErucA Volume Up Foam
For an extra boost in volume, I would recommend spraying a suitable amount of ErucA’s Volume Up Foam on to your hand and running it evenly through your dry hair from the roots to the tips for an airy, voluminous finish.

Moist & Repair

Moist & Repair Range
ErucA’s Moist & Repair range is my favourite out of the three as my hair is very dry from the harsh winter conditions in China and requires utmost hydration to keep split ends at bay.

ErucA Moist & Repair Shampoo
ErucA Moist & Repair Conditioner

It lathers and cleanses well, again without stripping the natural oil from your hair. It also restores the water and oil balance in both your scalp and hair. More importantly, I know that I am in safe hands as harmful chemicals that have adverse effects on damaged hair such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, mineral oil, alcohol and artificial colouring are omitted.
My favourite products from ErucA
I have been nourishing my tresses with the Moist & Repair shampoo and conditioner daily and I find that my hair is less frizzy, more manageable and definitely smoother, thanks to the luxurious concoction of argan oil, virgin prune oil and marula oil. I would also use the Scalp & Volume mask once or twice a week to ensure that my scalp is in tip top condition.

Before (Right) & After (Left)
To illustrate my point, I deliberately tried the products on just one side of my hair. Can you spot the difference between the texture and shine on both sides? The contrast is so stark that I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Did I also mention that it smells heavenly? My hubby hardly notices any changes in my routine but this time, he picked up the musky, sensual scent instantly.

Where can I purchase ErucA products?

If you too would like to go natural with ErucA hair products, you can find them at Guardian and Tokyu Hands branches nationwide. You can also purchase them online at Maimee’s Corner (www.maimeescorner.com). Retail prices range from S$18.90 – S$22.90.

For a limited time only, you can also click here to redeem free ErucA samples from Samplestore.com!

To stand a chance to win ErucA products, ‘Like’ ErucA on Facebook here to participate in their upcoming CNY contest and ongoing weekly contests!
*****
ErucA 
 Website
Facebook

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Travel

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

January 9, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

After traveling around China for a few months, I have come to realize that one of the country’s greatest draws lies in its rich historical heritage. Every monument, garden and pagoda tells a story and it is through these stories that each attraction takes on a life of its own, coming alive right before my eyes as I embark on an experiential journey to deepen my appreciation of China’s cultural intricacies.

My fascination with cultural heritage and ancient buildings was what led me to Che’fle Canal Hotel, a new luxury hotel in Hangzhou,China.

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou
Open Concept Reception
Elements of Chinese culture in the hotel lobby

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

What is the story behind Che’fle Canal Hotel in Hangzhou?

 Located at the former site of the Renhe Granary in the Ming Dynasty and the State Silk Warehouse in the 1950s, the independent buildings that used to be a part of the warehouse have now been restored and transformed into the Che’fle Canal Hotel of today. These buildings are listed as protected historical architecture in Hangzhou. The hotel overlooks the Grand Canal, the longest, greatest and oldest canal in the world, which dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period more than 2500 years ago.
Believe it or not, the canal flows through Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing and Tianjin. You can still experience the hustle and bustle of this ancient waterway through the scenic canal cruise, as well as many traditional streets and alleys dotted with eateries, cafes and retail shops.

The Rooms

A stunning motif of the Grand Canal adds a cultural touch to the entrance of every room
Returning to a cozy, welcoming room is something that I look forward to after a hectic day of traveling.

Hotel rooms are decorated to reflect the Silk Culture of the hotel

 

 

The decor at Che’fle reflects the hotel’s State Silk Warehouse heritage, as can be seen from the flowing motifs and silk artwork that extend from the corridors to the rooms.
Shanghai Tang bath toiletries
Nespresso coffee machine

 

The room amenities reflect a taste for finer living and the hotel’s attention to detail. Some pampering treats that you can indulge in include the Shanghai Tang bath toiletries (Che’fle is one of the few hotels that has an exclusive partnership with Shanghai Tang), Nespresso coffee machine and a selection of exquisite Chinese tea, not to mention the amazing turndown service that ends your day on a sweet note.

Che’fle Canal Hotel’s Turndown Service ends the day on a sweet note

The Food

Cold Cuts

Cold Cuts
Cheese Platter

Breads & Pastries

The delectable east-meets-west breakfast buffet is bound to leave you spoiled for choice. A western spread comprising quality cold cuts, cheese platter, breads and pastries and breakfast cereals are accompanied by eastern delights such as dim sum (the xiao long bao is surprisingly delicious!) and porridge. The wide variety of fruits, cereals and freshly squeezed fruit juices will also appeal to the health-conscious crowd.

Breakfast Cereals
Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

 

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou Breakfast
For lunch, visit one of Han Palace Chinese Restaurant’s Private Dining Rooms for an intimate dining experience with bespoke menus as you sit in the comfort of lavishly designed rooms.

Han Dining Chinese Restaurant
Han Dining Restaurant’s Private Dining Room

 

If you have a sweet tooth, you would be happy to know that Che’fle Hotel has a dedicated cakes and pastry shop helmed by their very own pastry chef. We had afternoon tea at the Buddha Bar, which transforms into a great spot to chill out at night with a drink or two.

Lovely cakes for afternoon tea

 

Macaroons by the hotel’s in-house pastry chef

The macaroons are my personal favourite as they resemble the famous zumbarons created by renowned Australian pastry chef Adrianna Zumbo.

Fitness & Relaxation

Fitness junkies will love the hotel’s fully equipped gym and saltwater pool, the first of its kind in Hangzhou.

First saltwater pool in Hangzhou

At the end of the day, wind down, relax and disconnect from the world by pampering yourself with a relaxing massage at the spa operated by award-winning arom:D Academic Spa from Thailand.

Spa
Spa Menu

 

Overall Experience

Che’fle Canal Hotel is a
prime example of how the old and new can coexist in harmony.

Bricks from the former State Silk Factory can still be found here

Aside from
the building structures, take a closer look and you will find traces of
the old State Silk Warehouse in the form of bricks (not one brick can be knocked off!), signage, or window
grilles.

 

I was constantly on the lookout for surprises at every corner,
very much like a child on a treasure hunt. If you too would like to
experience a slice of history without compromising on modern-day
comforts and luxuries, Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou is the place to be.

*****

Che’fle Canal Hotel Hangzhou

Address:
7 Lishui Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou

Tel:

Reservations – (86) 571 88090928

E-mail:
info@cheflehotelhz.com

Website:
http://www.cheflehotelhz.com

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Beauty

Waistline Reduction with Liposonix Treatment at SL Clinic

January 6, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments
I have received a lot of love this Christmas and New Year, and while I treasure the care from loved ones, there is another type of love that leaves me quite in despair. Yes, I am indeed referring to one of the worst types of love – love handles! 
This “love” has been surrounding my waist for many months, given my hectic schedule with no time to exercise and a lot of stress-fuelled late night binging. With more yet to come in the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, I am sure that many of you are experiencing the same despair as me. 
Hence, I was really excited when I learnt of Liposonix treatment, introduced by Dr Gabriel Wong at SL Clinic.
Dr Gabriel Wong
Here’s Dr Gabriel who put me at ease instantly and made the entire consultation and treatment process less nerve-wrecking for me!  

What is Liposonix?

Liposonix is a fat reduction treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound technology to permanently target and destroy the stubborn fat. Yes – it targets the stubborn fat areas beneath the skin! This means that the skin is not harmed at all, as only the fat tissue beneath the skin is permanently destroyed. It can be used on areas such as the abdomen, thighs and back.

Liposonix
treatment has 10 years of research and testing behind its development.
It has a well-defined safety profile during and after treatment with
very good patient satisfaction, and it has been available in Europe,
Japan and Canada for several years. It was available in the US starting
in January 2012.


Is it the same as Liposuction? (i.e. sucking fat out of the body)

No, not at all! Liposonix treatment is non-surgical and non-invasive, with little to no downtime. What it does is it uses advanced ultrasound energy (the same energy source as diagnostic ultrasound) to very precisely target specific areas with high energy to destroy fat cells, where there is at least 1.0 cm of subcutaneous adipose tissue beyond the selected focal depth setting of the system. 

It can help you lose one dress or pant size without surgery, but if you are looking for crazy huge reductions associated with surgical liposuction, then please do have a consultation with the doctor to talk about your specific situation. However, the great news is that it does not have the uneven or lumpy results that you see from Liposuction, nor saggy skin.  It is also customizable to address specific problem areas. 

Why SL Clinic?

Dr Gabriel was
very professional, yet really sweet and gentlemanly.  His
easy-going demeanor makes it a breeze to share your concerns without
feeling shy or insecure and he dispenses sincere, genuine advice. I
would highly encourage everyone to give him a call for consultation.
After all, having treated many patients with Liposonix, Dr Gabriel knows
what is best for you. You can also rest assured that the cost for Liposonix at SL Clinic is the lowest per treatment area.
 

What is my main area of concern?

My main area of concern was my abdomen and you can see the problem areas here (*sob*):
Problem area – Abdomen
Dr Gabriel explained that he would put the head of the Liposonix device on the area to be treated – which would be the black dots that he meticulously measured out to ensure the entire abdomen was covered. 
Problem area – Abdomen (side view)
The fat is permanently destroyed after one treatment. For the abdomen, the session is typically one hour. What happens is that after high-intensity ultrasound energy is focused on the targeted areas, the body naturally removes the treated fat, leaving a thinner, more contoured waistline.  
Problem area – Abdomen (side view)
Does this side view look familiar to you?  I know many of us all have this issue with our tummy peaking out on top of pants/skirts/outfits. 

Dr Gabriel said that the treatment is ideal for active healthy individuals who have at least 1 inch or 2.5 cm of fat to lose in their abdomen or flanks, and there are noticeable results after just one treatment. I was definitely excited to say “bye bye” to this side view….. permanently!

Liposonix Treatment Machine

What is the treatment like?

Honestly, I was rather afraid because the most frequently reported side effects during Liposonix treatment are pain, discomfort, prickling, tingling, or warmth. 

And let me be upfront here – there will be discomfort. This is, after all, fat-busting using advanced technology. But as they say – no pain, no gain. To get rid of stubborn fats that are literally so difficult to remove, this is really the least amount of effort. Yes, it is worth it!


Can you see the water spray in Dr Gabriel’s hand? Water will be applied continuously during the treatment as this reduces the heat. 

The intensity of the Liposonix ultrasound energy will also be adjusted according to your threshold – the highest intensity was used on me as my threshold for pain is relatively high. The areas that gave a greater tingle were the sides of the lower abdomen but the rest of the areas were less of an issue for me, thankfully.

After meticulously applying the treatment to every one of my problem areas, I finished my first session! There was a slight tingle for certain dots, but Dr Gabriel assured that this was common for all patients as the treatment did its work, and there would be mild pain or discomfort and bruising for a few weeks. Fortunately for me, I did not experience any redness or swelling. Most importantly, this meant that the stubborn fats have been destroyed! Yay!
At the end of the session, the questions on everyone’s mind is definitely: 

How long will it take before I see results?

The good news is, most people see maximum results in 8 to 12 weeks, as this is the time it takes for the body to naturally remove the fat cells that were destroyed during treatment. 
On average, you can expect to lose one dress or pant size (1 inch or 2.5 cm reduction), and studies show an average waistline reduction of at least one inch. 

It
has been 8 weeks since I did the treatment ,and guess what, I already
physically felt the results in week 6 when I realised that I could zip
up my skirt and pants easily (I could not even pull the zipper up fully
last time!)  

Do I need to do any special post-care?

 I literally walked out of the door and resumed my normal activities. There was no downtime at all except for the tingles. There is no need to do anything out of the ordinary, but of course as every good doctor will recommend, we should maintain or improve the diet and lifestyle that we had before treatment. The targeted cells are permanently destroyed, but surrounding fat cells can grow, which is why the best way to achieve optimal results is to maintain a healthy lifestyle thereafter (yes, we can!). 

For those of you who have stubborn fat that you wish to get rid of without having to undergo surgery, Liposonix treatment
is an alternative solution that you might want to consider.

SL Clinic has three branches in Singapore, conveniently located at Plaza Singapura, Wheelock Place and Jurong Point respectively.

Cheers to a 2016 ahead full of love…… and best of all,
no more love handles! Thank you once again to Dr Gabriel for the treatment!


*****

SL Clinic




Website:
www.skinlabmedspa.com

Plaza Singapura branch

Address: 
68 Orchard Road #03-33 Plaza Singapura

Tel: 
6336 1106

Opening Hours: 
10 am to 9.30 pm


Wheelock Place branch

Address: 
501 Orchard Road #04-04 Wheelock Place

Tel: 
6235 3246

Opening Hours: 
10 am to 9.30 pm


Jurong Point branch

Address: 
1 Jurong West Central 2 #B1-62 Jurong Point Shopping Centre

Tel: 
6316 2246

Opening Hours: 
10 am to 9.30 pm

You can also find out more about Liposonix here.



  
[This post was written by Isabelle, a permanent writer on Shopping Queen’s Haven.]


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About the writer Isabelle:
An MBTI personality profile that believes in making the world a better place (one starfish at a time), Isabelle is a communications professional who enjoys creating good memories for others, and balances realism with a healthy dose of joie de vivre and can-do positivity. 


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Beauty

Wild Harvest Care & Emu Oil Benefits

December 26, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
 Having lived in Australia for about a year previously, I have personally witnessed how Emu Oil effectively nursed my dry cracked skin during the wintry months back to its former glory. Natural Emu Oil is hard to come by, even more so in Singapore, hence when natural skincare label Wild Harvest Care decided to bring its Emu Oil skincare collection to our sunny island, my heart literally skipped a beat.

(L-R) Wild Harvest Care Cool Moisture Body Lotion with Emu Oil Extract (S$32.90) & Pure Emu Oil (S$39.90)
I brought two of Wild Harvest Care’s star products, Pure Emu Oil (Lavender) (S$39.90) and Cool Moisture Body Lotion with Emu Oil Extract (S$32.90), along with me to China and I couldn’t be more grateful to these gems for keeping my skin soft, supple and moisturized during winter.

Why Emu Oil? 

I don’t blame you for asking that question because this very same question popped up in my mind when I was first introduced to Emu Oil.
Highly prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and high amounts of vitamins E and A as well as omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, Emu Oil works well as a natural moisturizer and can be used on both your face and body. It also promotes the healing of wounds, burns, bites, blisters, sunburn, relieving pain and itching while reducing the possibility of scars forming. 
Here’s what Emu Oil can do for you:
  • Lighten stretch marks and scars
  • Reduce age spots and wrinkles
  • Replenish moisture in skin
  • Diminish acne inflammation
  • Regenerate skin cells
  • Relieve eczema
  • Relieve and heal diaper rash
  • Reduce arthritic pain
  • Relieve pain from bites, cuts and wounds
  • Alleviate skin irritations, burns, bruises and swelling
Multi-tasking
products rank high on my beauty list because I travel frequently, and
while I prefer to travel light, I do not wish to compromise on my
skincare regime. Wild Harvest Care’s Emu Oil products suit both my lifestyle and beauty needs perfectly, plugging the gap beautifully.

Why Wild Harvest Care?

Only 100% natural and chemical-free ingredients are used, which makes their products suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, children and even pregnant women. 
In fact, Wild Harvest Care uses Emu oil derived from free-range Australian Emus which feed on a healthy diet of natural grain, without additives or hormones. The Emu oil is then processed at a world standard rendering plant that complies with Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) standards, HACCP and GMP certification. With Wild Harvest Care, you know you are in safe hands.

When is the best time to apply moisturizer? How do I apply Wild Harvest Care’s Emu Oil products to achieve the best results? 

  Did you know that
the best time to moisturize your skin is immediately after a shower?
Applying body lotion when your skin is still damp helps to lock in
moisture, keeping your skin well hydrated all day long.
To ensure that this doesn’t slip my mind, I always keep my Wild Harvest Care Pure Emu Oil (Lavender) and Cool Moisture Body Lotion within easy reach.

Loving the lightweight body lotion which absorbs readily into my skin

I start off by applying the Cool Moisture Body Lotion all over my body. Its lightweight texture is a godsend for Singapore’s humid climate as the lotion absorbs instantly, leaving a veil of moisture on your skin. In addition to Emu Oil, it is formulated with certified organic aloe vera and a blend of carefully selected natural ingredients including Vitamin E. It also contains Mandarin Cold Pressed, Grapefruit Pink and Lavender essential oils, which give it its amazing scent.

 My skin itches in dusty or cold environments and I find that this body lotion works remarkably well in relieving itch and rashes too. 

Smoothing on an additional layer of Pure Emu Oil in drier environments

When I sleep with the air-conditioner switched on or when I travel to temperate climates, I smooth on an additional layer of Pure Emu Oil to further enhance moisture absorption, giving extra attention to dry spots such as my legs, knees and elbows.

Formulated with Emu Oil as its main ingredient, it is further enhanced with a delicious concoction of Lavender, Bergamot Calabrian and Patchouli essential oils to nourish your skin and leave you smelling absolutely divine.

With all the upcoming year-end festivities, give yourself (and your loved ones too!) a well-deserved treat and pamper your skin with the natural goodness of Wild Harvest Care Emu Oil products.

*****

Exclusive Discount for All Readers

You’ll also be happy to know that Wild Harvest Care has kindly extended an exclusive discount to all my readers. 

Key in the code “REGINA5OFF” upon checkout to get 5% off all your purchases! Offer is valid from 26 December 2015 – 16th Jan 2016.
Wild Harvest Care
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Beauty

The Body Shop Christmas Collection 2015 Giveaway

December 3, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

The Body Shop Christmas Collection 2015
Christmas is just around the corner, and we all know what that means – the season of giving is here and it’s time to go shopping for your loved ones!
If you have yet to decide on a gift for your girlfriend, colleague or that special someone in your life, I will be sharing some wonderful gift ideas from The Body Shop today.
Before we go into the details, let’s take a look at the lovely hamper that Body Shop gifted me this Christmas:
The Body Shop Christmas 2015 Hamper
 Now, here’s the good news. I will also be giving away some of these products in another hamper worth S$150 so do read on to find out how you can participate in this giveaway.
This year, The Body Shop is also partnering with international charity organisation WaterAid to help transform lives through access to safe water. Every gift that you buy from The Body Shop will provide a family in Ethiopia with one day of safe water.

*Frosted Plum Body Care Range*

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Body Care Range (seasonal)
Swing into plum temptation with The Body Shop’s new Frosted Plum Body Care range, the highlight of this season’s collection. Indulge your senses with the sweet, sophisticated extracts of plum from the orchards of Turkey. Infused with elegant ripe plum, magnolia and peony notes, this special edition fruity-floral range is a pampering treat that will instantly put you in the Christmas mood.
Some interesting products to look out for in this line-up include: Shimmer Mist (S$21.90), Bath Fizzers (S$39.90), Sugar Scrub (S$36.90), and Scented Candle (S$36.90).

*Spa of the World & Oils of Life Collection*

The Body Shop Spa of the World Collection
 Your escape to paradise begins right at home with The Body Shop’s most luxurious range to date – Spa of the World bodycare range (S$209.90) which consists of a unique blend of fine, natural ingredients from four corners of the globe. Scrub, massage and moisturize your skin to restore its glow and luster before the holiday season begins. I have to admit that I was highly attracted to its sensual yet invigorating scent.
   
Oils of Life Skincare Collection
 The Oils of Life Skincare Collection (S$121.90) is enriched with three precious seed oils, namely black cumin, rosehip and camellia. This is the perfect gift for skincare lovers.

 *Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette  (Swinging Silver or Grooving Gold)*

Swinging Silver
Swinging Silver –  metallic and shimmer shades in cool tones
I can never do without eye make-up and I know that I can always rely on smoky hues for upcoming Christmas parties. If you’re looking for a gift for the makeup aficionado on your list this season, The Body Shop’s limited edition eyeshadow palette in Swinging Silver or Grooving Gold (S$36.90) will not disappoint.

Grooving Gold

Grooving Gold – metallic and shimmer shades in warm tones
 
The buildable formula allows you to dial down your eye makeup for an easy everyday look or dial it up to achieve sultry, smouldering eyes for all your year-end parties. The colours in both palettes are very wearable and versatile, giving you free rein to create a variety of looks.

**Giveaway – Christmas Hamper worth S$150** 

Here’s what the lucky winner will be receiving:
Frosted Plum Body Wash
 Frosted Plum Shimmer Lotion
Frosted Plum Sugar Scrub 
Strawberry Festive Picks
Eyeshadow Palette in Grooving Gold
To participate in this giveaway, follow these 3 easy steps below:

Step 1

Step 2

Like and Share my Giveaway on Facebook

Step 3

E-mail me at regina.chow@gmail.com and tell me which product is your favourite!

**Extra bonus points if you follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg) too!**

Do note that this giveaway is only for Singapore residents. The deadline for this giveaway is 6 December 2015.
Good luck!
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Fashion, Lifestyle

Sudio Vasa Earphones Review

November 19, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Music has always been a part of me, my life and my existence. Just like how a painting says a thousand words, music speaks where words fail. It brushes away the dust that everyday life has cast on my soul. 
You’ll be amazed by how therapeutic it is to listen to music on the go, especially when you have a good set of earphones like my trusty Sudio Vasa.
My first encounter with Sudio earlier this year left me in awe in terms of both its design and quality. This time, the Swedish company has taken it up a notch with its premium Vasa earphones (compatible with Android and iOS devices) which allows you to listen to every detail and every instrument in every song, as if you were in the recording studio. 
Listen to every detail and every instrument in every musical composition
An unforgettable
audio experience is what you are in for. I enjoy listening to both pop
and classical music, and being able to identify the different instruments in
orchestral music gives me inexplicable joy.
Aside from its sound quality, I am drawn to its sleek, clean minimalist design with rose gold accents. It blends functionality with style and is the perfect accessory for all my outfit choices.

Sudio Vasa marries functionality with style
Special Discount for Readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven
If you would love to get your hands on this gem, you’ll be happy to know that Sudio has kindly extended a discount to all readers of Shopping Queen’s Haven.
All you have to do is key in REGINA15 upon checkout to enjoy 15% discount on your purchase. 
International shipping is free.

Sudio Vasa retails at S$110 and is available in White, Black, Pink and Blue.
 *****

 Sudio

Facebook: 

Instagram: 

@SudioSweden

Official Website: 

*****

If you enjoy reading my blog, you might wish to click here to Like my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram (@reginachow_sg) too!

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South Bridge Aesthetics Clinic Carbon Laser Peel Review

October 14, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Traveling always takes a toll on my skin, leaving it dull and dry, hence when I received an invitation to visit South Bridge Aesthetics Clinic to review their Carbon Laser Peel treatment, I arranged for my appointment to take place immediately after my recent trip to Europe.

 

South Bridge Aesthetics Clinic was established by Medical Director, Dr Winston Lee, a warm and friendly doctor who has 10 years of experience in the medical field. The clinic aims to provide quality non-invasive aesthetics treatments at competitive prices and carbon laser peel is one of their most popular treatments.

What are the benefits of Carbon Laser Peel?

It promotes radiant, glowing skin and helps to reduce imperfections such as enlarged pores by removing the outer layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production. It also improves your overall skin tone.

Effects can be seen immediately after just one treatment and you can see my before and after photos for comparison at the end of this post. This treatment serves as a quick pick-me-up before important events and can also be done regularly, just like a facial. 

As the entire process takes only about 30-45 minutes and there isn’t any downtime, it is the perfect lunch-time quick fix for time-pressed working professionals.
What does the process entail?
A thin layer of carbon lotion is first applied to your face and allowed to dry before Dr Lee uses a laser machine to deliver short yet intense pulses of light. The light is absorbed by the carbon lotion, causing an explosion of carbon particles which exfoliates the outer layer of your skin and removes dirt from your pores.
I was initially very worried about the pain factor but I came to realise that my worries were unfounded. Dr Lee was also very reassuring and chatted with me throughout the process. His humorous and affable personality put me at ease. I was done within the blink of an eye and there was hardly any discomfort at all. 

As you can see from my before an after photos below, I saw a significant improvement in my skin tone immediately after one session although Dr Lee recommends that this treatment should be done every 2-4 weeks for optimal results. I couldn’t be happier with my brighter, more radiant complexion. My pores were slightly smaller and my skin was much smoother. I know I would definitely need another carbon laser peel session when I get back to Singapore again!
South Bridge Aesthetics Clinic

Address
277 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058826

Contact No.
9730 8999


Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm 

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About Me

Hi! My name is Regina and I am a style, beauty and travel enthusiast who enjoys writing, photography and letting my creative juices flow.

My blogging journey has been nothing short of exciting. I was recently named the winner of Her World Magazine’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar Awards 2016. My blog was also awarded Best Fashion Blog (Grand Winner) at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014. The year before that, it won Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2013.

Additionally, it is listed as one of the 10 interesting blogs on Singapore by AsiaWeb Direct (http://www-singapore.com/blogs.htm). I was also featured on both local and international mainstream media for my views on style, fashion and online shopping:

The Straits Times (14 Oct 2014)

The Business Times (14 Oct 2014)

My Paper (13 Oct 2014)

CNBC ("Pricey Singapore: Savvy shoppers go online" - 28 Dec 2014)

For advertorials/partnerships, feel free to contact me at regina.chow@gmail.com.

Thank you!

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